Effect of Cultural Communication Strategy in Preventing Child Marriage in a Region with Strong Cultural Resistance A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Child marriage persists due to strong cultural values, social norms, and ethnic influences, compounded by inadequate strategic cultural communication. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of cultural communication strategies in enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in preventing child marriage in a region characterized by strong cultural resistance.Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 Bugis residents in Parepare, South Sulawesi, Indonesia (December 2023-January 2024), using a purposive sampling. Participants were divided into treatment (KP) and control (KK) groups based on previous exposure to child marriage prevention assistance. Inclusion criteria: families with adolescents, living for ≥ 10 years, and willing to participate. KP received educational modules and family mentoring, while KK only received mentoring. Pretest and post-test (after 12 weeks) measured knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests.Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and cultural communication compared to the control group at both post-intervention measurements (p < 0.005). Baseline measurements showed no significant differences. Within the intervention group, Wilcoxon tests confirmed significant improvements from pre-test to both post-tests (p < 0.001). The control group showed mixed results, with some variables improving initially but later declining or remaining unchanged, highlighting the intervention's effectiveness.Conclusion: Cultural communication-based interventions with educational modules and mentoring effectively enhance family knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in preventing child marriage, with a sustained long-term impact.

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